A GARTNAVEL cancer hospital is has been transformed into a magical fairy land to help younger patients through their treatment against the disease.

NHS clinical technologists Fiona McCulloch and Hilary Sturrock are bringing a bit of magic to the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (BWoSCC) by creating a neighbourhood of fairy doors for with the help of Beatson Cancer Charity.

Following the success of their character-themed radiotherapy masks, the colleagues have been working on another project, which they hope will help more children combat their fear of radiotherapy treatment.

The duo, who work in the Mould Room at the BWoSCC, have been decorating fairy doors and customising them for individual patients to take into treatment rooms during their appointments, allowing little ones to have a fairy watch over them as they battle their illness.

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Hilary said: “Being involved in the fairy door project has allowed us to bring a little magic to the reality of a lengthy treatment regime that many of our younger patients’ experience.

“Fiona and I are grateful to have our art supplies funded by the Beatson Cancer Charity to bring our design ideas to fruition.

"I have enjoyed providing some enchanted distraction to the department, and hope the fairies enjoy their new doors as much as we have enjoyed creating them.”

During radiotherapy treatment, patients are often asked to lie on a treatment couch and their movement is restricted so radiographers can make sure they target the correct area.

The process can be a very frightening experience, especially for younger patients who may not fully understand the situation.

The former art students hope their latest project will work as a coping mechanism to help ease a young patient’s fears and concerns as they undergo treatment at the BWoSCC.

Fiona added: “I have really enjoyed being part of the team working on the fairy door project with Beatson Cancer Charity.

"The opportunity has allowed both Hilary and I to use our imaginations in creating the story behind each door; and has provided the opportunity to work collaboratively with other departments.

“I have high hopes the use of fun, colour, and imagination will provide a welcome form of escapism for our younger patients. When your day to day reality is one of hospital walls, the smallest details can sometimes make the biggest impact.

“I hope the fairy doors will contribute to creating positive memories for everyone and I feel a great sense of pride to have been included as part of the team to initiate the project."

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Some of the fairy doors, as well as the superhero and character-themed radiotherapy masks, will be on display this coming weekend as part of an art exhibition hosted by Beatson Cancer Charity and The Studio Fine Art Company.

The exhibition will take place from August 17 to 19 at the Trades Hall of Glasgow and will also feature a wide range of original works and prints from notable Scottish artists.

Prints will be on sale and proceeds will benefit Beatson Cancer Charity.

The charity's funding manager, Therese Taylor said: “This is another incredible project by Fiona and Hilary that will make a real difference to the treatment and wellbeing of younger patients.

“The fairy doors look incredible and the charity is delighted to fund this.”